The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity free essay sample

The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity Karla Bertram ENG122: English Composition II Instructor Tamara Dorris September 21, 2011 The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity Recently, childhood obesity has grown to epidemic proportions. It has tripled in the last three decades and now approximately one in three children are overweight or obese. According to Black’s Medical Dictionary, obesity is â€Å"a condition in which the energy stores of the body (mainly fat) are too great† (AC Black 2010). It has even grabbed the attention of politicians as well as medical professionals. The First Lady, Michelle Obama has even begun a campaign called â€Å"Let’s Move,† (America’s Move to Raise a Healthier Generation of Kids). Americans have become alarmed at the increase in the amount of children and adolescents that have become affected. This paper will show the causes of this growing epidemic affecting our youth and the health problems it causes, that are usually associated with adults. We will write a custom essay sample on The Causes and Effects of Childhood Obesity or any similar topic specifically for you Do Not WasteYour Time HIRE WRITER Only 13.90 / page So many things are probable causes of childhood obesity, but not one is solely responsible. T. Robinson claims that, â€Å"Today children spend more time indoors watching television and sitting in front of computer screens or PlayStations. The increased technology in the lives of children appears to be associated with the rise in obesity† (T. Robinson 2001). Another problem causing this epidemic is unhealthy eating habits encouraged by commercials for fast food restaurants, candy and soda. Other causes stated by professionals include; genetic, hormonal, and neurological. The growing concern is due partially to the severe health issues that accompany obesity. Such as: type two diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea, asthma, liver disease, cardiovascular problems, and hypertension. Michelle Obama announced, â€Å"The physical and emotional health of an entire generation and the economic health and security of our nation is at stake† (2010). Our children should not have these grown up concerns. Why have we allowed our technological advances to ruin the health of our children? There are so many articles in newspapers and magazines that express the concerns of the growing epidemic of childhood obesity. Besides the articles, there are medical digests and reports available to be viewed by the public. The United States National Library of Medicine as well as The White House Task Force on Childhood Obesity Report to the President has invaluable information. There have been many television news reports and talk shows talking about childhood obesity and the catastrophic increases in recent years. All of this information is available online as well as in the Ashford University Library. References